Classics King Van der Poel Finally Takes on Omloop Het Nieuwsblad

Mathieu van der Poel, the reigning Milan-San Remo and Paris-Roubaix champion, will make his debut at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad on Saturday, February 28, 2026. This marks a shift in strategy for the Dutch superstar, who has historically begun his road season later in the spring Cyclingnews.

A Long-Awaited Debut

Van der Poel admitted to feeling regret watching the Belgian one-day race from the sidelines in previous years. “When I watched Omloop on TV, I often felt it was a pity not to be there,” he said on Friday FloBikes. After an undefeated cyclo-cross campaign culminating in a record eighth world title, he initially had some doubts about his form following a ski holiday.

However, a training block on Spain’s Costa Blanca reassured him. “After a few solid weeks on the bike, he feels race-ready and will line up at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad,” his team, Alpecin-Premier Tech, announced France24. He confirmed the decision was finalized on Monday.

A Challenging Schedule Ahead

Following Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, Van der Poel’s ambitious spring schedule includes Tirreno-Adriatico (March 9–15), Milano-Sanremo (March 21), the E3 Saxo Classic, Gent-Wevelgem, the Ronde van Vlaanderen, and Paris-Roubaix on April 12 FloBikes. This program mirrors his successful structure from the previous season.

Competition and Course Considerations

While several top riders are sidelined, including Wout van Aert (returning from an ankle injury) VeloRacing, Van der Poel will face competition from riders like Tim Wellens and Tom Pidcock. The 207km course features key climbs like the Muur and Bosberg, but a reduced bunch sprint is also a possibility FloBikes.

Van der Poel acknowledged the potential for a tactical race. “The Muur and Bosberg are significant, but whether it will be decided there tomorrow, we’ll only grasp then,” he said. He also noted that Alpecin-Premier Tech has multiple options for a sprint finish with riders like Jasper Philipsen and Kaden Groves.

A First Glimpse of Road Form

Saturday’s race will provide the first indication of Van der Poel’s road form ahead of anticipated clashes with Tadej Pogačar later in the spring. He has a strong track record on Belgian pavement and is considered the pre-race favorite VeloRacing.